Exploring the parkland at Tredegar House

A view from the banks of the Lake at Tredegar House, Newport, looking through foliage and across towards the Boathouse. — The Lake and boathouse at Tredegar House | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

The parkland at Tredegar House is the perfect place for you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Sweeping lawns, a serpentine lake and woodland are all waiting for you to explore and enjoy everything from a picnic, a run or a spot of hide and seek with the family.

Things to see in the parkland

New play area under development

Our plans for the play area in the parkland are underway and will see a brand new play area in the parkland for children of all ages to enjoy. We will keep you updated with our plans as they develop. We would like to thank you for your patience whilst we complete these works.

There will be some disruption during this time, however there is still lots for families to enjoy during your visit, including the natural play area in the woodland.

Head to Visitor Reception to speak to a member of the team about picking up an Explorer Backpack, or to pick up one of our illustrated family trails for the gardens and mansion house. Don't forget to check our latest family events for this season.

Follow this link and find a downloadable sheet which will show you all the best games to play in the parkland.

Oak avenue

Once there were seven oak avenues, splaying out from the mansion like the spokes of a wheel. The last remaining one stretches out from the 17th-century gates and over the crest of a hill towards Ruperra Castle – once a summer home of the Morgan family.

Wildlife

Bring your bird books and binoculars; our parkland is teeming with wildlife. The lake is a favourite spot for grebes, swans, moorhens and a whole community of ducks.

Keep an eye out for swans, coots and herons as well as a whole host of slippery underwater creatures in the lake. Swan watching is a popular pastime with locals who track the progress of the cygnets every year.

The parkland is ever changing as the seasons come and go throughout the year.

Sequoia redwoods

Towering over the parkland, the redwoods are a regal reminder of a bygone majestic age. Don't forget to touch the bark; its spongy feel is a favourite with little ones and adults alike.

A celebration of Welsh culture

Image of historic stables and parkland with tents for 2004 Eisteddfod at Tredegar House — The 2004 Eisteddfod at Tredegar House | © National Trust

The 2004 Eisteddfod at Tredegar House

The National Eisteddfod of Wales was held at Tredegar House in 1988 and 2004. The history of the National Eisteddfod dates back to the 12th century. Today, it is an annual festival held in the Welsh language that alternates between North and South Wales. It is the largest festival of competitive arts (including music, poetry, dance and literature) in Europe, with over 100,000 people attending every year.

Image of stone circle in parkland — The Gorsedd Stones in the parkland | © National Trust

What are Gorsedd Stones?

Gorsedd Stone Circles are constructed for the National Eisteddfod and form a key part of ceremonies held during the festival. The Stone Circle in the parkland was erected in 1987 to proclaim that the Eisteddfod was to be held at Tredegar House the following year. The 12 stones which form the circle represent the 12 old counties of Wales. The tallest stone is 1.5m high, and the central plinth (the Logan Stone) is used by the Archdruid to proclaim the festival. The circle is then used throughout the week for ceremonial dances and the inauguration of new members of the Druid Circle. The stone circles, which can be found across Wales, are a lasting testimony to Welsh culture.

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Cygnets on the lake at Tredegar House, Newport | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Help us look after the parkland

Please help us look after the parkland by following these simple rules:

Please don’t fish in the lake

We’re committed to conserving the ecology of the lake and looking after all the wildlife who’ve made it their home. Fishing bait and discarded hooks and lines pose a significant threat to our wildlife.

No barbecues please

We welcome picnics, but barbecues pose a fire risk. They can cause significant damage to the grassland and picnic tables, so please don’t bring portable barbecues to the park. There are plenty of places to enjoy an al fresco picnic. Don’t forget to take your litter home or throw it in the bins provided on the parkland.

Please use the car park

There is ample parking at the entrance to the mansion for house, gardens and park visitors. Please don’t park anywhere else on site.

Top tips for a great day out

Make sure you're wearing appropriate footwear for your adventures. Whatever the weather, you may find yourself in muddy and uneven territory when you wander through the park.

Enjoy a woodland walk, but take care where the ground’s uneven and there are exposed tree roots.

Helping wildlife to thrive

During the summer months, we help wildlife thrive by letting the grass grow long in some areas to provide natural habitats. Some of the little critters may bite or sting, so please take care.

Supervising children

We all know little ones love to explore, so please always supervise children, particularly in the play areas. Some children are more adventurous than others, and only you know the abilities and limitations of your own children and those in your care. Please familiarise yourself with the play area and keep an eye on them while they play.

Take care around water

There are several large bodies of water in our parkland. Although they may look enticing, they are also dangerous. Always take care around water. Swimming is not permitted in the lakes and ponds.

Adverse weather

Poor weather may cause some debris to fall from trees and buildings, so please think about what's above you and consider the risks when you're out for your walk.

During high winds or adverse weather, we may close the parkland to keep everyone safe. This will be communicated with signs on site and through our website and social media channels.